I have now been in the coaching business for nearly three years albeit in the coaching world as an athlete or volunteer for nearly 16 years. That’s a long time! My thinking was triggered today in a profound way when a close friend contacted me for advice on why she continually ends up injured. Hours later, as I rolled my bike home with a load of shopping, I came to a conclusion. There are three types of athletes and by athlete I refer to anyone involved in an athletic activity. Two types we see all the time whilst the third is extremely rare.

Type 1: This is the plodder. This is the individual who is quite happy to head out the door in their favourite training attire and just ‘roam around’. Intervals and fartlek are heard of but not important. They are happy to see small increases in their fitness but disregard the notion of speed. They love to get involved in the fun run or a sports team but are somewhat of a ‘weekend warrior’, a participant… a player. This individual rarely worries about injury as the nature of the involvement in activities holds them at low risk. Sure, they can occasionally trip over the pothole or physiology lets them down but such setbacks are rare.

Type 2: This is the extremist. The ‘need-the-latest-knowledge-to-match-my-latest-gear’ athlete who constantly finds himself on a physical knife-edge. More is always better and age or physiology is no barrier. They thrive in the competitive-banter and creep their way to the front of the pack in both training and competition. We see this individual everyday with their ‘head-down-bum-up’ approach to training – always in a rush to achieve a little bit more.

Type 3: This is rare athlete. The think-before-you-act athlete. Although they long for ultimate performance, they do not fight the natural progression of their endeavours. For sure, they push hard in intervals and strive for maximum output but similarly they see that ultimate attainment comes from taking a step back, recovering, analyzing and finding a balance in their lives. They are often the ‘everything comes easily to me’ individual but beneath this is a thinker who uses a calm, methodical approach to reach where they aim to be. They are rarely seen pounding the pavements but rather, floating calmly with precision and purpose. They indulge in the beauty of what they do and are completely honest with themselves. These are their greatest assets.

I am currently embarking on a doctorate with Loughborough University in the UK. The focus is on how we can improve the identification and development of talent amongst our disabled athletic population. When I look around me at work and think about the Paralympians I work with, there is this beautiful, unflustered aura around them. With London 2012 looming, there is no fluff to their actions and each step is purposeful, clearly thought-out and unrushed. They are rare, inspiring individuals who should become our role models.

If you are like me and want to remain active, uninjured and fit but want to have the qualities of a the rarest champions, then begin to find indulgence and honesty in who you are and what you do.

If you find yourself a plodder and have carried out the same actions for most of your athletic career, do yourself a favour and think about what your goals are. It may be to simply learn how to indulge in the beauty of experimenting with where you train? Or it may be that you have been hiding behind a fear of what you are capable of? Becoming truly honest about your ambitions is often a very humbling task.

Did you rate yourself as the extremist? This used to be me – go harder, faster and for longer! Honesty will be your saving grace. When was the last time you took a step back and just ‘let yourself be’. When did you last enjoy being active and notice the minute aspects of nature along the way? Do you think recovery is purely for the idle? Remove your perfectionist hat, make a cup of tea and think whilst you watch the sun set. You may be surprised!

If you have been truly honest and have found yourself to be a rare, thoughtful, planned athlete… please share your secret with us! As I believe nothing is impossible, perhaps even the greatest plodders and severe extremists can find the yellow brick road. Somehow I think it starts with the creation of a training plan.

If you need a hand, please contact me.